Impacts of Digital Technologies for the Provision of Energy Market Services on the Safety of Residents and Consumers

Abstract

Our paper tackles the topic of the digital technologies (represented by the information and communication technologies (ICT)) and the sustainable transformation and energy safety in households represented by the smart homes and the traditional households using smart appliances, gadgets, as well as smart meters connected to the Internet. The rapid growth and adoption of information and communication technologies, such as computers, mobile devices, sensors, and networks, can seriously affect the ways and amounts of energy used by society on its path toward sustainable development. There is a growing interest in characterizing the net energy impact of ICT as well as the Internet of Things (IoT) that arises from indirect effects that offset (or amplify) the energy directly consumed by ICT equipment. However, the society might need some time to build the trust in these new digital technologies and develop the wide social acceptance for their usage. In order to test these assumptions, we employ an empirical econometric model based on the data obtained from the online survey carried out with the randomly selected respondents (N = 523) from Russian Federation and the four European Union (EU) countries (Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia). Even with regard to the small size of the sample and thence the limitations stemming from that fact, our results demonstrate that familiarity with smart home technologies and the possibility to alter the tariffs and use flexible energy demand increase the safety of residents and consumers. In addition, it appears that energy efficiency is being rewarded, as energy consumption is sensitive to time constraints on supply. Furthermore, we find that respondents’ age (43% of the respondents belonged to the 36–55 age group), positive attitude to smart home technologies and the possibility to exploit the flexibility of demand offered by the variety of energy tariffs during and off-peaks all yield quite strong and positive relationships and correlations with the willingness to accept the smart home technology and the flexibility of demand. At the same time, concerns over personal security or sharing personal data related to energy consumption do not constitute major concerns for the respondents. Our results have some important impacts on the overall strategy for pursuing sustainable economic development and following the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that might be useful for stakeholders and policymakers as well as for the researchers in this field.

Effect of social influence, environmental awareness, and safety affordance on actual use of 5G technologies among Chinese students

“…Fourthly, this research study has examined the moderating association of facilitation conditions between trustworthiness and ITU5G. The findings proved that facilitation conditions are positively moderated between trustworthiness and ITU5G argument supported by multiple studies 12 , 95 . A past study 96 discussed that information acquisition in the context of 5G technology refers to learning about and comprehending its characteristics, advantages, and potential drawbacks.…”

“…According to earlier research 37 by providing users with safety features like strong security safeguards and open privacy rules, technology providers can increase their trust and confidence, increasing their desire to use the technology. Safety affordances that address these concerns, such as adhering to established safety guidelines and regulations, conducting thorough risk assessments, and transparently communicating the safety measures taken, can help alleviate fears and increase users' confidence in using 5G 95 . Safety features that allow consumers to manage their exposure to 5G radiation, such as changeable power levels or signal strength information, can improve user impression of safety.…”

Breaking Barriers: Technological Adoption Challenges in Organizations of Developing Economies - A Case of Pakistan

“…(Lechman, 2013) Employing innovative technologies can also help address the global shortage of skilled workers in all sectors and the brain drain in developing economies. They can promote the development of top-notch organizational systems, offer continuing workplace and technological integration assistance, and expand the capability to research and adopt new trends (Strielkowski et al, 2022). The latest technology diversifies economic strategies, reorganizes significant difficulties, and strengthens ties between public and private entities (Thomson et al, 2011).…”

Integrative approaches across green energy technologies: the role of innovations in human capital

“…These ventures are pivotal in driving technological progress and fostering competitive markets, thereby making renewable energy options more costeffective and efficient [25,26]. In both the academic realm and the industry, individuals endowed with extensive knowledge play a vital role in facilitating the transfer of expertise and technology, significantly accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions [27].…”